Originally posted by ^tamago^:
there are ppl along the route who happen not to stay near mrt (even if they are along the tracks, like Yishun Ave 2 and Lentor Ave) and can't be bothered to or deterred by higher fares of (even with rebates) transferring to MRT at the next stop. also, there will always be ppl who value a single ride down to town even if it takes slightly longer.
ok let's say i live next to Yishun Sports complex and i wanna go to Tekka Mall.
Option 1: Quick transfer
walk to Khatib MRT
change at dhoby ghaut or city hall
alight at little india or bugis
walk again
Option 2: Directness
take 851 from yishun sports complex and alight just outside tekka mall.
the general public prefer directness than getting there in the shortest time. That is why there's still many bus services around today in spite of the growing train network